ITALIAN HOLIDAY COOKIES

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 egg, separated
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla
• 1 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 cup flaked coconut
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves

Instructions:

1. Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add egg yolk and vanilla; mix well.
3. Sift together flour and salt; add gradually to creamed mixture.
4. Chill dough for 2 hours.
5. Form long rolls about 3/4 inch in diameter; cut off 3/4 inch pieces and shape into balls.
6. Dip balls into slightly beaten egg white and roll in coconut.
7. Place on ungreased aluminum cookie sheets and press the top gently with a thumb.
8. Bake and then fill centers with apricot preserves.
9. Yield: 3-4 dozen.